Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is back at the San Francisco 49ers' facility in Santa Clara, beginning his rehab process following surgery on the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Kaepernick had the surgery last week in Colorado, and has been home recovering from the operation.
Matt Maiocco reported on Sunday that Kaepernick had wanted to attend Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, but doctors advised him not to be walking around at that point. Earlier today, when asked, head coach Jim Tomsula said that Kaepernick was in the building starting his rehab.
The rehab is believed to be a four-to-six month process. Four months from today would be March 30. Kaepernick's 2016 base salary becomes fully guaranteed on April 1, 2016. For now it is guaranteed for injury, but on that day it becomes guaranteed for any skill or cap related release. If he can pass a physical, the team can release or trade him. However, if he cannot pass a physical, the next step is a bit murky. The most likely scenario would be some kind of injury settlement where they split the difference on his 2016 salary, Kaepernick gets his release to find a new home, and any new salary potentially offsets some of his settlement. That is just one of I imagine many possible scenarios in play.